Nestled in between several forest preserves and just a one hour drive away from Chicago, Vernon Hills, IL is a great, central location to experience all that the region has to offer. If you are looking to stay local, you can shop at Hawthorn Mall or go golfing at the local golf course. There is also Lambs Farm in the next town over, which has been a well-respected institution for years, as a place of employment for individuals with disabilities and has a farm like setting, with a famous bakery and restaurant. The Marriott Theater is a great way to catch a show with high production values and well-known performances.
Nearby, you can take a close look at the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, which was recently acquired by Loyola University as one of their extension campuses. Summer time is the best time to have fun around Chicago and Vernon Hills is a central location for some of the best summer time activities. The local Arbortheater hosts summer concerts, all summer long. For thrill seekers, there is the world famous Six Flags Great America, which could easily take up a couple of days with all the rides available. A little further north, in Gurnee, you can shop at the famous Gurnee Mills Mall. The Illinois Beach State Park is within a half hour drive and has multiple trails to hike, as well as beaches and dunes to explore.
Just across the Wisconsin border and only a half hour drive from Vernon Hills is the Bristol Rennaissance Faire, where you can catch a glimpse of the Rennaissance lifestyle, with actors in full costume, living the life of knights and maidens. Or, once you’ve crossed the border, you can also take a warehouse tour of the famous Jelly Belly Candy Company, where they take you around in jelly bean shaped cars, while you tour the facility where the famous candies are made. Whatever you choose to do, Vernon Hills provides the proximity to many fun options.
1. Hawthorn Mall is a shopping favorite for locals and visitors
If you need a movie theater, a chocolatier, a designer clothing store and salon, under the same roof, look no further than the Hawthorn Mall, in Vernon Hills. This mall has been a hub for locals for generations and can keep you occupied for hours.
Hawthorn Mall
Address: 122 Hawthorn Center Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Website: Hawthorn Mall
2. Tee off at Vernon Hills Golf Course
When the weather is nice in the Chicagoland area, golfing is a very popular choice of activity. Ranked as one of the best golf courses in the Chicagoland area, the Vernon Hills Golf Course is a great stop for you to tee off.
Vernon Hills Golf Course
Address: 291 Evergreen Drive Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Website: Vernon Hills Golf Course
3. Enjoy the famous bakery at Lamb's Farm
For a life changing experience, head over to Lamb’s Farm - a local institution that has been valued for years as a place of family fun and developmental opportunities for challenged individuals. They have a famous restaurant and bakery, that will make you happy from the inside out.
Lambs Farm
Address: 14245 W. Rockland Road Libertyville, IL 60048
Website: Lambs Farm
4. Catch a show at the Marriott Theater
From musicals to famous theater productions, the plays put on at the Marriott Theater have given it a high status that you won’t want to miss. Just minutes from Vernon Hills, this famous theater is in the city of Lincolnshire and with the great restaurants nearby, you’ll be able to enjoy a memorable evening.
The Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire
Address: Ten Marriott Drive Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Website: The Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire
5. Explore the gorgeous 100-acre (40.5-hectare) Cuneo Estate
Built by one of the founders of the GE Company, in the early 1900’s, the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens is a beautiful property, open to public viewing as one of Loyola University’s campuses. Explore the fine arts collections or take a stroll through the collection of sculptures, outdoors.
Cuneo Mansion in Vernon Hills
Address: 1350 N. Milwaukee Avenue Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Website: Cuneo Mansion in Vernon Hills
6. Listen to an outdoor concert at the Vernon Hills Memorial Arbortheater
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Open year round as a park, the Vernon Hills Memorial Arbortheater is a great summer venue to have a picnic and enjoy some music in their outdoor concert series. Amidst the beautiful surroundings, this is definitely a space to enjoy your time in good company.
Vernon Hills Memorial Arbortheater
Address: 50 S. Fairway Dr. Vernon Hills, IL
Website: Vernon Hills Memorial Arbortheater
7. Get on the ride of your life at Six Flags Great America!
With one of a kind rides that draw thrill seekers from around the world, you can’t miss going to Six Flags Great America, during your trip to Vernon Hills. This world class amusement park has gained a reputation as one of the “must-see” activities in the Chicagoland area, so make sure it’s on your list!
Six Flags Great America
Address: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Website: Six Flags Great America
8. Spend a day at the beach at Illinois Beach State Park
Swim, hike or camp at Illinois Beach State Park, where you can explore the dunes along the miles of Lake Michigan. This state park is a little over half an hour drive from Vernon Hills and is a great way to spend your days outdoors, in the warm months.
Illinois Beach State Park
Address: 1 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL 60099
Website: Illinois Beach State Park
9. Go back in time at the Bristol Renaissance Faire
Step into the time of knights and maidens, at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, just across state lines in Wisconsin and less than an hours drive from Vernon Hills. This award winning event lasts for several months throughout the summer and provides a world of entertainment that you won’t forget.
The Bristol Renaissance Faire
Address: 12550 120th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142
Website: The Bristol Renaissance Faire
10. Shop to your heart's content at Gurnee Mills Mall
Just a half hour drive from Vernon Hills will take you to one of Chicagoland’s premier shopping malls, which carries plenty of designer brands at outlet prices. This is a favorite shopping stop for locals, so if you’re looking for some good deals, head on over.
Gurnee Mills Mall
Address: 6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031
Website: Gurnee Mills Mall
11. Take a tour in a jelly bean train at the Jelly Belly Center
Candy enthusiasts will love to take the drive across to Pleasant Prairie, WI, to tour the famous Jelly Belly Center, where you get to see how the candies are made, on a fun train ride. You can also shop for a never ending supply of jelly beans at the end of your tour.
Jelly Belly Center
Address: 10100 Jelly Belly Ln, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
Website: Jelly Belly Center
You'll have a variety of activities unique to the area, in and around Vernon Hills, IL
If the weather brings you indoors or if it’s a day to spend outside, the things to do in and around Vernon Hills are some of the best activities the Chicagoland region has to offer!
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